[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

suzerain \su"zerain\, n. f., formed fr. sus above, l. susum,
   sursum fr. sub under + versum, p. p. of vertere to turn,
   after the analogy of souverain, e. sovereign. see sub-, and
   verse.
   a superior lord, to whom fealty is due; a feudal lord; a lord
   paramount.
   1913 webster
see also:
sub- verse 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

suzerain
     n : a state exercising a degree of dominion over a dependent
         state especially in its foreign affairs

Suzerain >> S Words
Suzerain, definition of term: Suzerain
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